Beignets a la Cafe du Monde

My current obsession with the South hasn't abated much. In a place where the food is synonymous with the culture, I think I could definitely feel at home. Since my imagination is always bigger than my wallet, I can't exactly jet off to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans for the weekend and enjoy hot beignets absolutely rolling in powdered sugar. But I can recreate that last part in my own kitchen, and pretend I'm people watching in the French Quarter and chowing down on fried goodness. Pair this with a chicory coffee--or chicory hot chocolate for the decaffeinated populace--and you can (almost) be there with me. Warning: Do not wear black unless you want the entire world to know exactly what you've been eating that morning.

Cafe du Monde Beignets

Ingredients:

1 envelope active dry yeast
3/4 cup water (110 degrees F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
3 1/2 - 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 cup shortening
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar in a shaker or sifter

Directions

Combine the yeast, water, and sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (you could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand). Let this sit until frothy, about five minutes, then add the salt, egg, and evaporated milk. Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening. When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated. At this time I turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it's a touch thing. Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough. Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).

After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2" thick. With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2" wide strips. Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. Place the beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven).

When the beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees. Place 2-3 beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them. When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (they go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil). Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain. Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn't contain much sugar, you will want a lot!). Makes about two dozen.